Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has taken a major step forward in autonomous mobility by successfully conducting Japan’s first test of a self-driving vehicle with no human driver onboard in an urban environment. The trial, which took place in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district, marks a crucial milestone in Nissan’s efforts to introduce autonomous driving (AD) technology as part of a future mobility service in Japan.
Addressing Mobility Challenges with Cutting-Edge Technology
Nissan’s latest autonomous technology aims to tackle key transportation issues, including the growing shortage of drivers caused by Japan’s aging population. By leveraging its advanced research and global expertise, Nissan is positioning itself as a leader in mobility solutions that offer greater freedom and accessibility.
The technology integrates key insights from Nissan’s research in Japan, the Nissan Advanced Technology Center in Silicon Valley, and the U.K.’s evolvAD project. These efforts contribute to the company’s broader goal of ensuring AD systems can adapt to diverse traffic conditions worldwide.
Innovative Features and Enhanced Safety
The test vehicle, based on the Nissan Serena minivan, is equipped with:
- 14 cameras, 9 radars, and 6 LiDAR sensors for enhanced environmental awareness
- Roof-mounted sensors that leverage the minivan’s height for improved detection accuracy
- AI-powered recognition and decision-making for smooth operation in complex urban scenarios
To ensure safety, Nissan engineers conducted extensive scenario testing, implemented an emergency stop function, and introduced redundancies to enhance reliability.
Future Plans and Nationwide Expansion
Nissan has been testing autonomous driving technology since 2017 and plans to conduct service demonstrations with around 20 test vehicles in Yokohama from 2025 to 2026. The company aims to launch commercial autonomous mobility services by 2027 in partnership with local municipalities and transport operators.
This initiative is being developed in close cooperation with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the Yokohama city government. The ministries are also supporting Nissan’s efforts through the Level 4 Mobility Acceleration Committee, which promotes the advancement of autonomous mobility services.
As Nissan continues to refine its AD technology, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of a new era in transportation, aiming to reshape urban mobility in Japan and beyond.
